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Re: Learning Oracle

From: Jonathan Gennick <jonathan_at_gennick.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 20:56:20 GMT
Message-ID: <38d73595.24450778@netnews.worldnet.att.net>


On Sun, 12 Mar 2000 21:07:08 -0800, "Josh Akins" <joshakins@ lvcm.com> wrote:

>I am looking to learn/use oracle. I won't lie, my motivation is the money
>associated with the job.

<lol> There's nothing wrong with that, IMHO. If you can enjoy Access+SQL+VB, then you probably can enjoy working with Oracle as well.

>I am wondering the best way to go about
>learning Oracle

A good way is to get assigned to a project that uses Oracle, and where you can rub shoulders with people who already have Oracle experience. You should probably give some thought to what path you want to follow. Do you want to be an Oracle database administrator? An Oracle developer? If a developer, do you want to work with PL/SQL-based tools such as Oracle Developer, or do you want to work with Internet-based tools such as Web Application Server and WebDB?

Consider joining Oracle's Technology Network (http://technet.oracle.com). After joining, you can download a number of Oracle's products in order to learn them.

If you're interested in database administration, I would suggest getting a trial copy of Oracle8i (either from Technet or the Oracle Store), and installing it on your machine at home. You'll need NT and at least 128meg RAM. Then read the Oracle8i Concepts Manual. It's part of the Oracle doc set that you'll find on the CD, and it's one of the best manuals (IMHO) to read for someone new to Oracle.

If you're used to Access, be prepared for a bit of a shock. Oracle is MUCH more difficult to configure and to use. Oracle also has no built-in development environment, so don't throw out your copy of VB<g>.

> and if pursuing certification is a waste of time and paper
>as it is with microsoft certs? Thanks.

I believe the certification is worthwhile. You may be able to get an Oracle job now without being certified, but looking forward I think certifications will grow in importance. If you are serious about a career with Oracle, why wouldn't you become certified? I would only buy non-certification from someone with proven experience, or from someone who was actively pursuing it, but who hadn't yet passed all the tests. Otherwise, if you weren't serious enough about Oracle to take the tests, why would I hire you? Would you go to a medical specialist who wasn't board certified in whatever specialty he was practicing? Would you hire an electrician who didn't have a license?

Having said all that, I want to add that you can become certified without spending a lot of money for training. Mine came from a combination of on-the-job experience and self-study. Read the manuals. Practice things. And take risks. Take the test if you think you have an even chance of passing it. Don't be one of these people who waits forever because they are afraid of failing. Flunking a test is one way to find out what's on it so that you know what to study for your next try.

And finally one rant about Oracle Masters. In my opinion, stay away from that. To become an Oracle Master, you MUST sit through a bunch of courses. In fact, that's all you have to do--sit. There's no test. Oracle's Masters program seems to be nothing more than a way to sell training courses.

Jonathan



jonathan_at_gennick.com
http://gennick.com
Brighten the Corner Where You Are Received on Mon Mar 13 2000 - 14:56:20 CST

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